Kurban Bayram 2024: A Celebrated Public Holiday in Turkey

Kurban Bayram, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays celebrated in Turkey and among Muslims worldwide. Each year the dates of this holiday change due to the lunar calendar. This year Kurban Bayram will begin on the evening of Sunday the 16th of June and end on the evening of Thursday the 20th of June.

The Significance of Kurban Bayram

Kurban Bayram, meaning "Festival of Sacrifice," is a significant Islamic festival that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, a narrative that holds profound spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide. It emphasises the values of faith, devotion, and charity. The holiday is also a reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and helping those in need.

Traditions and Celebrations Across Turkey

On the morning of the first day of Kurban Bayram in Turkey, Muslims gather for special prayers known as Bayram Namazi or Salat al-Eid at mosques. Muslims later honour this festival by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep, goat or cow, an act in honour of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion. Many Turks donate to the poor and help those in need, reflecting the holiday's spirit of generosity, including the sharing of meat and other forms of charitable giving. Kurban Bayram is marked by family gatherings, visiting the graves of loved ones and the preparation of special dishes. Visiting relatives and neighbours and offering well wishes are integral parts of the holiday.

Public Holiday Festivities

As a public holiday, Kurban Bayram provides a long break for many Turks, who often use this time for travel and leisure. Banks, Post Offices, Government offices, schools and many businesses close for the duration of the holiday allowing families to spend quality time together. This year there is an official 9-day long public holiday. Institutions and businesses which have closed will commence normal working hours on Monday 24th June. 

Kalkan, like many tourist regions across Turkey, will mostly continue as business as normal. Due to the nature of the busy tourism summer seasons, many working throughout Kurban Bayram may be spending much or all without their families. Kurban Bayram reinforces the values of faith, sacrifice, and community that are central to Turkish culture. May this Kurban Bayram bring peace, joy, and blessings to all who celebrate.

Want to learn how to wish someone a happy Kurban Bayram?

Turks wish each other a happy Bayram/ Eid with several phrases. Why not try wishing them well festivities when out and about, the gesture will be greatly appreciated: 

İyi Bayramlar (Ee-yih bye-ram-lah) - Good Eid days

Kurban Bayramınız kutlu olsun (Kuhr-ban bye-ram-un-uz kut-luh ol-soon) - May your Eid be blessed

Bayramınız mübarek olsun (Bye-ram-un-uz moo-bah-rek ol-soon) - May your Eid be blessed